Police are investigating the death of a student following an alleged assault in a Delaware high school’s bathroom April 21.
Police say Amy Inita Joyner-Francis, 16, was assaulted in a fight at Howard High School of Technology just after classes began Thursday morning. Joyner-Francis was then flown to A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children, where she died, according to Delaware Online.
Two friends of Joyner-Francis said she told them she was going into the bathroom Thursday to “settle the beef,” though they did not elaborate.
No cause of death has been released and no official charges have been filed in the case, although police have questioned two female students so far in their investigation. Although detectives have released few details about what happened in the bathroom during the assault, police have said they don’t believe any weapons were used.
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A prayer vigil was held in Joyner-Francis’ memory outside of the school on Thursday night, and classes let out early April 22. Counseling services have also been made available to students.
School officials, community members and local politicians expressed their sympathy for the family and friends of the victim.
City Councilman Nnamdi Chukwuocha argued too many non-violence programs are aimed at young men in the community.
“Some of the worst fights I’ve seen in the community have been with the females,” Chukwuocha said. “We need to address the needs of the young women. As of right now, I don’t think we’re doing that.”
